Sorta OT: Polishing alloy/aluminum wheels?

[SadbutTrue]

I have a set of wheels tthat have been a bit scratched up and have been overexposed to the sun some (late 80s cadillac wheels). I was wondering if there was a method to polish them back to their original glory. I have seen wheels of the same kind in good condition and they look good, so if there's a cleaning solution or sanding/polishing method that will clean them up I'd love to give it a shot.

Thanks

 

[78StangII2+2]

If they are aluminum, they can be done with patience. I took a set of painted white aluminum wheels and stripped the paint off with a stripper. I then started wet sanding with 400 grit sand paper, then 600, 800 1200, 1500 and finally 2000 grit wet sandpaper. Once that was complete, I polished with aluminum polish and a Mothers' power ball. It takes about 5 hours per wheel but well worth it.
Before and after pics:

/paul
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2219901

 

[D.Hearne]

To polish em, you'll need to strip off the clear coat first. I'm pretty sure those will be clear coated. My 89 Ranger's wheels were. On older, non coated aluminum wheels, nothin beats Brillo or SOS pads.